FIFA 12 arrives with enormous hype and fanfare surrounding its trinity of new gameplay features, a trio of changes that promise to revolutionise the way we play, or so the developers claim. Like a multi-million pound signing from Brazil, FIFA 12's gameplay refinements sound great and promise much, but will they help to improve on what was already a top class football title, or cause unrest in the ranks?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

There can be no denying that even the most ardent and long-standing FIFA fan will be taken back by the gameplay changes found in the latest instalment. Take the Impact Engine, for example, a brand new physics engine designed to highlight pace, power, momentum and weight, leading to a far more robust and realistic football simulation. Barring a few moments of madness when players fall over each other like the cast of Chuckle Brothers, the new engine really does, well, impact the entire game, eliminating the slightly formulaic gameplay found in previous titles. In fact, after a few games of FIFA 12, you'll wonder how you ever stood for anything less.

Sprint into the box with a powerhouse like Didier Drogba, for example, and you'll brush off standing challenges with ease, often sending defenders sprawling in the process. "Accidentally" clip Drogba's leg or barge into him as he shapes to shoot, however, and he'll lose balance and barely manage to hit the target. Jerky preset animations no longer exist, instead players react and recover (or not) almost exactly as they would in a real game.

While the Impact Engine takes a bit of getting used to, it's an organic addition requiring little or no actual input from the player. Tactical Defending, on the other hand, demands an entire rethink to the way we defend and takes a good few games to get used to. Be prepared to ship a few goals early on as you attempt to master the skill.

Holding one button (you know, the one that used to send your defender charging at the attacker with reckless abandon) sees the defender close in on the attacker without actually making a challenge. While harrying the attacker, players can move closer or further away with the analogue stick, before pressing another button to actually make the challenge. Impatient players will undoubtedly rush the tackle, inviting the attacker through on goal, while the smarter and more seasoned FIFA 12 user will wait and wait until the moment is just right before poking out a leg. Getting the timing right and making any sort of tackle is tricky, but immensely satisfying when mastered.

Calling for a second defender is also far more important this year, as it allows the user to sit back and survey the action, covering any potentially dangerous runs and passes when they occur. Players can also tug at sprinting players to slow them down, essential for those lightning quick wingers, although it can lead to fouls. It's a completely new defensive system, which genuinely encourages players to react and adapt to a multitude of different scenarios.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Precision Dribbling completes the trinity of new features, although it's by far the most subtle in-game refinement. It allows players to better hold up the ball by taking smaller, deft touches in tight situations. The AI will use it to get out of tight spots on the touchline, defenders are able to better clear their ranks against an onslaught of eager attackers, while it's perfect for carving out shooting space from just outside of a busy penalty area.

As for game modes, little has changed since last year's instalment, barring the usual bevy of tweaks and improvements. Most of the effort has been put into the online side of things. For a start, card-trading, fantasy football mode Ultimate Team is available out of the box. EA Sports Football Club, meanwhile, is a brand new feature, which adds a community element to online play.

Players pick a team to support and earn XP by playing games and completing challenges. XP counts towards the team's league position, although thankfully, teams are ranked by the average skill of their fans, not by the number of followers. This ensures that the likes of Middlesbrough can compete with Manchester United. It's a novel idea and a promising feature, but it's still too early to know whether it will work.

Head-to-head leagues and competitions have also been added, which gives players the opportunity to compete in ranked leagues and regular cup competitions. Again, it's too early to judge this mode's credentials and whether or not the matchmaking element will be a success, but it certainly sounds like fun.

As for single-player, playing the career mode as a manager is much more enjoyable, largely thanks to the increased role the media plays, as well as team morale. Players will come to the manager with all sorts of problems and suggestions, whether they're thinking of retiring, wanting a week's rest or demanding a place in the starting XI. The manager can also talk to the press before games, either to praise teams and players, or give shirkers and rival managers a dressing-down. Everything affects morale and form, although it's yet to reach a point where a player refuses to come off the bench as a substitute, but then there's always next year.

Perhaps the most novel addition, however, is the extended transfer deadline day. As a fan of the drama and excitement of the real thing, it's great to see EA Canada draw it out for as long as possible, giving players a chance to wheel and deal right up until midnight. With the clock counting down, the controller vibrates like a beating heart, while players wait for hourly updates on their potential deals. Whether buying or selling, players have the option to hedge their bets by stalling contract signings, ensuring that you have room to manoeuvre in case a late move doesn't come off. It mirrors the excitement of the real transfer deadline day very well.

Visually, the game hasn't seen too many noticeable changes, but the graphics are certainly sharper and smoother than before, while in-game bugs and glitches are virtually non-existent. The default camera angle is a little distant for my liking, but there are countless additional options to choose from. Elsewhere, the commentary has also undergone a big change. While the decision behind Andy Gray's removal is obvious, we can't help but miss him. The decision to include two commentary teams for league and cup games is a nice touch, and Martin Tyler, Alan Smith, Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend all do a fine job of describing the action.

Instead of resting on their laurels and making a few minor tweaks and improvements, EA Canada has gone back to the drawing board and completely changed the way we play, creating a more satisfying football experience than ever before. There are many clichés and superlatives we could throw at FIFA 12, but none come close to explaining just how complete a football game this is. Quite simply, the beautiful game is back with a sports car and twin sister in tow - there, we couldn't resist.